EVERY SINGLE DAY

There is no such thing as a typical day in prison

Things differ drastically from prison-to-prison, person-to-person, and from day-to-day. There’s a popular saying among inmates about a prison’s program. The only thing consistent about prison is change.

For instance, it can be a beautiful day outside, guys may be working out, playing sports, cards, or just enjoying the fresh air; and in the blink of an eye you might be in the middle of a full scale riot. Paying attention is a MUST HAVE  in prison; it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

5:30-6:30 AM: Breakfast, a.k.a. ‘chow time’, and the start of most guys’ day. The breakfast isn’t good

6:30-7:15 AM: Start day with a morning prayer and devotional reading

7:15-8:00 AM: Breakfast in cell and prepare for work

8:00 AM-2:00 PM:  Work. I work in the prison’s kitchen at 32 cents an hour

2:00-3:00 PM: Shower grab a bite to eat and prepare for either a self-help group or college class

3:00-5:00 PM: Self-help group or college class

5:00-6:00 PM: Dinner. It tends to be better than the breakfast

6:00-8:00 PM: Another self-help group or college class

8:00-9:00 PM: Socialize with friends or use the prison phone to talk to loved ones

9:00 PM: All inmates are locked in their cells until breakfast.

9:00-11:00 PM: Watch T.V., listen to music or write a letter, and fix something to eat

11 PM-12:30 AM: Homework or letter writing

12:30-6:30 AM: Sleep

There is a perception in society that inmates spend all day doing nothing. As you can see that is not always true. There are more guys spending their time doing something productive than those who are not

How one spends his time---be it in prison or out---is what makes the difference between success and failure. Keep busy!

A day in the life of Chuckwa is almost the same 

every single day

"Hello Mrs. G.  How are ya?  Not a whole heck of a lot going on round here...just another day on the farm"....begins every single letter...

I know and understand what you're thinking...

He committed a crime and he deserves to be in jail.

No heat and air

No internet or computers

Limited TV

I agree, but still I find it hard not to feel a sadness for a lives wasted

"You spoke of being free and listed some circumstances that could be worse"

Chuckwa will come up for parole in 2030...I will be 73

Here's an interesting concept that I ponder over and over....

Chuckwa and I are so similar

1.  We both have committed crimes against God and government (as we all have)

2.  We both regret those crimes and seek forgiveness

3.  He lives in a compound that has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and yard

4.  I do too...mine is gated as is his

here's the difference...he is unable to leave

and I would be happy if I never had to

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

CHUCKWA LIVES HERE

The James V. Allred Unit is a prison for males located on Farm to Market Road 369 in Wichita Falls, Texas, United States, 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of downtown Wichita Falls. The prison is in proximity to Iowa Park.  

The prison, with about 320 acres (130 ha) of land, is a part of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Region V.

It opened in the summer of 1995 and is one of the largest maximum security units in Texas housing approximately 3600 offenders. It consists of four departments, General Population, Administrative segregation and one of the first "Expansion cell blocks" (High Security) to be built housing some level ones Seg overflow and close custody offenders. It also contains one of Texas's "Safe Keeping Units", which are designed to house prisoners that would be in danger from other inmates.

James V. Allred (March 29, 1899 – September 24, 1959) was a United States politician who served as the 33rd Governor of Texas during the New Deal era. He was thereafter a United States federal judge. He is remembered for his unwavering support of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

 roses in a hedge of thorns

a hedge of thorns....

with roses?

yes...it is possible!

He has sent me to provide for all those who grieve in Zion, to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of tears of grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, the Plantings of the Lord, so that he might display his glory.

Isaiah 61:3

*.....so.....*

that He might display HIS glory